His Declaration in the Name of the People of Virginia. July 30th, 1676

By Nathaniel Bacon (16471676)

[Born in England. Died at Gloucester C. H., Va., 1676. From the Aspinwall Papers, published by the Mast. Hist. Soc. 1871.]

FIRST. For having upon specious pretences of public works raised great unjust taxes upon the Commonalty for the advancement of private favorites and other sinister ends, but no visible effects in any measure adequate. For not having, during this long time of his government, in any measure advanced this hopeful Colony, either by fortifications, towns or trade.

3. For having wronged his Majestys prerogative and interest by assuming monopoly of the beaver trade, and for having in that unjust gain betrayed and sold his Majestys Country and the lives of his loyal subjects to the barbarous heathen.

4. For having protected, favored, and emboldened the Indians against his Majestys loyal subjects; never contriving, requiring, or appointing any due or proper means of satisfaction for their many invasions, robberies, and murders committed upon us.

5. For having, when the army of English was just upon the track of those Indians, who now in all places burn, spoil, murder, and when we might with ease have destroyed them who then were in open hostility, for then having expressly countermanded and sent back our army, by passing his word for the peaceable demeanor of the said Indians, who immediately prosecuted their evil intentions, committing horrid murders and robberies in all places, being protected by the said engagement and word past of him the said Sir William Berkeley; having ruined and laid desolate a great part of his Majestys Country, and have now drawn themselves into such obscure and remote places, and are by their success so emboldened and confirmed, by their confederacy so strengthened, that the cries of blood are in all places, and the terror and consternation of the people so great, are now become, not only a difficult, but a very formidable enemy, who might at first with ease have been destroyed.

7. For having, with only the privacy of some few favorites, without acquainting the people, only by the alteration of a figure, forged a commission, by we know not what hand, not only without, but even against the consent of the people, for the raising and effecting civil war and destruction; which being happily and without bloodshed prevented, for having the second time attempted the same, thereby calling down our forces from the defence of the frontiers and most weakly exposed places.

Of this and the aforesaid Articles we accuse Sir William Berkeley as guilty of each and every one of the same, and as one who hath traitorously attempted, violated and injured his Majestys interest here by a loss of a great part of this his Colony, and many of his faithful, loyal subjects by him betrayed and in a barbarous and shameful manner exposed to the incursions and murder of the heathen. And we do further declare these, the ensuing persons in this list, to have been his wicked and pernicious counsellors, confederates, aiders, and assisters against the Commonalty in these our civil commotions .

And we do further demand that the said Sir William Berkeley with all the persons in this list be forthwith delivered up or surrender themselves within four days after the notice hereof; or otherwise we declare as followeth:

That in whatsoever place, house, or ship, any of the said persons shall reside, be hid, or protected, we declare the owners, masters or inhabitants of the said places to be confederates and traitors to the people, and the estates of them, as also of all the aforesaid persons, to be confiscated; and this we the Commons of Virginia do declare, desiring a firm union amongst ourselves that we may jointly and with one accord defend ourselves against the common enemy: and let not the faults of the guilty be the reproach of the innocent, or the faults or crimes of the oppressors divide and separate us who have suffered by their oppressions.

These are therefore in his Majestys name to command you forthwith to seize the persons above mentioned as traitors to the King and Country, and them to bring to Middle Plantation, and there to secure them until further order; and in case of opposition, if you want any further assistance, you are forthwith to demand it in the name of the people in all the counties of Virginia.